Step 2: Modeling the Saucer

Add a plane. Now add a Mirror modifier along the X and Y axes, before enabling the Clipping button. In this way we'll model only a quarter of the saucer.

In Edit mode, delete the extra vertex. Then, with the Knife tool, create the hollow for the cup and extrude just a little along the Z axis. Give thickness to the saucer using the Extrude and Scale commands, as shown in the image.

In Object mode, set the shading to Smooth and enable Subsurface. Model some extra objects to make the scene more realistic, such as a coffee spoon, some chocolates or a cloth.

Modeling saucer

Step 3: Lighting

The lighting setup is very simple. Position two large emitter planes at the sides of the scene, one with an emission shader with warm light and the other with cold light (also make sure that one light is stronger than the other to have more realism).

Use a small, front emitter plane to give highlights to the cup and saucer, and some diffuse planes on top to reflect and give diffuse light to the scene. In the World tab, set Strength to 0.